Patent Application
20140267677
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to power systems. More particularly, the subject matter relates to monitoring components within turbomachine systems.
Conventional turbomachines (also referred to as turbines), such as steam turbines (steam turbomachines) or gas turbines (gas turbomachines), generally include static nozzle assemblies that direct the flow of working fluid (e.g., steam or gas) into rotating buckets that are connected to a rotor. During operation of these turbomachines, the rotating buckets and/or static nozzles are subject to intense temperature and pressure conditions which can degrade the structural integrity of the buckets, nozzles and/or other components inside the turbomachine.
These degraded components may cause the turbomachine to run less efficiently, may create safety concerns, and may eventually require repair. Monitoring these components can be helpful to anticipate degradation and repair. However, due to the fact that these components (e.g., buckets and/or blades) are sealed within the turbomachine during operation, it can be difficult to monitor their condition.
Various embodiments include approaches for monitoring turbomachine components. In various particular embodiments, a system configured to monitor a component within a turbomachine includes: a borescope probe sized to pass through an opening in the turbomachine, the borescope probe for detecting a symbolic data array on the component within the turbomachine; and at least one computing device operably coupled to the borescope probe, the at least one computing device configured to: obtain image data about the symbolic data array from the borescope probe; evaluate the image data to determine whether the image data is compatible with a symbolic data array analysis program; and analyze the image data using the symbolic data array analysis program in response to determining the image data is compatible with the symbolic data array analysis program
A first aspect of the invention includes a system configured to monitor a component within a turbomachine, the system having: a borescope probe sized to pass through an opening in the turbomachine, the borescope probe for detecting a symbolic data array on the component within the turbomachine; and at least one computing device operably coupled to the borescope probe, the at least one computing device configured to: obtain image data about the symbolic data array from the borescope probe; evaluate the image data to determine whether the image data is compatible with a symbolic data array analysis program; and analyze the image data using the symbolic data array analysis program in response to determining the image data is compatible with the symbolic data array analysis program.
A second aspect of the invention includes a system having: at least one computing device configured to monitor a component within a turbomachine by performing actions including: obtaining image data about a symbolic data array located on the component within the turbomachine; evaluating the image data to determine whether the image data is compatible with a symbolic data array analysis program configured to execute on the at least one computing device; analyzing the image data using the symbolic data array analysis program in response to determining that the image data is compatible with the symbolic data array analysis program; and initiating a message indicating that the image data is incompatible with the symbolic data array analysis program in response to determining that the image data is not compatible with the symbolic data array analysis program.
A third aspect of the invention includes a method for monitoring a component within a turbomachine, the method including: positioning a borescope probe inside the turbomachine at a first position relative to the component and within imaging range of a symbolic data array; using at least one computing device coupled to the borescope probe: capturing image data from the borescope about the symbolic data array; evaluating the image data to determine whether the image data is compatible with a symbolic data array analysis program configured to execute on the at least one computing device; and analyzing the image data using the symbolic data array analysis program in response to determining that the image data is compatible with the symbolic data array analysis program.
These and other features of this invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that depict various embodiments of the invention, in which:
It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings.
As noted, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to power systems. More particularly, the subject matter relates to monitoring components in turbomachine systems.
As described herein, conventional turbomachines (also referred to as turbines), such as steam turbines (steam turbomachines) or gas turbines (gas turbomachines), generally include static nozzle assemblies that direct the flow of working fluid (e.g., steam or gas) into rotating buckets that are connected to a rotor. During operation of these turbomachines, the rotating buckets and/or static nozzles are subject to intense temperature and pressure conditions which can degrade the structural integrity of the buckets, blades and/or other components inside the turbomachine.
These degraded components may cause the turbomachine to run less efficiently, may create safety concerns, and may eventually require repair. Monitoring these components can be helpful to anticipate degradation and repair. However, due to the fact that these components (e.g., buckets and/or blades) are sealed within the turbomachine during operation, it can be difficult to monitor their condition.
In contrast to conventional approaches, various embodiments of the invention utilize remote visualization via endoscopy to monitor and/or evaluate the structural health and integrity of a component installed within a turbomachine. The component is generally inaccessible for conventional methods of monitoring and evaluating components in a turbomachine. In particular embodiments of the invention, a system measures strain, e.g., creep strain, along the surface of a component such as a blade/nozzle.
In various particular embodiments of the invention, local creep strain data about a component is obtained through endoscopic evaluation of the component at rest within a turbomachine.
Some particular embodiments of the invention include a system for monitoring a component within a turbomachine. The system can include: a borescope probe sized to pass through an opening in the turbomachine, the borescope probe for detecting a symbolic data array on the component within the turbomachine; and at least one computing device operably coupled to the borescope probe, the at least one computing device configured to: obtain image data about the symbolic data array from the borescope probe; evaluate the image data to determine whether the image data is compatible with a symbolic data array analysis program; and analyze the image data using the symbolic data array analysis program in response to determining the image data is compatible with the symbolic data array analysis program.
Other particular embodiments of the invention include another system. In this case, the system can include: at least one computing device configured to monitor a component within a turbomachine by performing actions including: obtaining image data about a symbolic data array located on the component within the turbomachine; evaluating the image data to determine whether the image data is compatible with a symbolic data array analysis program configured to execute on the at least one computing device; analyzing the image data using the symbolic data array analysis program in response to determining that the image data is compatible with the symbolic data array analysis program; and initiating a message indicating that the image data is incompatible with the symbolic data array analysis program in response to determining that the image data is not compatible with the symbolic data array analysis program.
Further particular embodiments of the invention include a method for monitoring a component within a turbomachine. The method can include: positioning a borescope probe inside the turbomachine at a first position relative to the component and within imaging range of a symbolic data array; using at least one computing device coupled to the borescope probe: capturing image data from the borescope about the symbolic data array; evaluating the image data to determine whether the image data is compatible with a symbolic data array analysis program configured to execute on the at least one computing device; and analyzing the image data using the symbolic data array analysis program in response to determining that the image data is compatible with the symbolic data array analysis program.
Turning to
With continuing reference to
The system 2 is configured to monitor at least one of the components 6 within the turbomachine 4. The system 2 can include a borescope probe 22 that is sized to pass through the opening 14 in the turbomachine 4 (casing 12). The borescope probe 22 can include any conventional borescope equipment, e.g., a semi-rigid or flexible tube, with an inspection lens (e.g., camera) at its distal end, an objective lens (e.g., mirror) at its base, and a relay optical system between the two ends. The relay optical system can be surrounded by optical fibers which can aid in illuminating the distal end for enhanced clarity. The borescope probe 22 can be used to detect one or more of the symbolic data arrays 18 located on the component(s) 6.
The system 2 can further include at least one computing device 24 operably coupled (e.g., via hard-wired or wireless means) to the borescope probe 22. In various embodiments, the computing device 24 can include an image capture system 26 and a symbolic data array analysis program (also referred to as an image analysis system) 28, which can perform a variety of functions described herein. For clarity of illustration, these functions are described herein as being performed by the computing device 24 which holds the image capture system 26 and the image analysis system 28.
In any case, the computing device 24 is configured to obtain image data 30 (
In response to determining that the image data 30 is compatible with the analysis program 28, the computing device 24 can analyze the image data 30 using the analysis program 28 (e.g., by running the program with the image data 30) to determine a characteristic of the symbolic data array 18. In some cases, the characteristic of the symbolic data array 18 can include an identification of the symbolic data array 18 (e.g., an identification number, symbol and/or letter, etc.). In other cases, the characteristic of the symbolic data array 18 can include information about the underlying component(s) 6, e.g., an indication of strain, stress, fatigue, material creep, etc. in the component 6. In some cases, the symbolic data array 18 can include one or more of a symbolic strain rosette, a symbolic strain gauge, a Moiré fringe pattern or another similarly optical-based strain indicator. In these cases, the characteristic of the symbolic data array 18 can indicate strain in the underlying surface 20 of the component(s) 6 to which it is adhered.
In response to determining that the image data 30 is not compatible with the analysis program 28, the computing device 24 can initiate a message indicating that the image data 30 is incompatible with the analysis program 28. In some cases, the message can indicate that the borescope probe 22 be repositioned in order to capture a more optically clear image of the symbolic data array 18. In this case, a user 13 (
In some cases, the computing device 24 can obtain updated image data 40 about the symbolic data array 18 in response to determining that the image data 30 is not compatible with the analysis program 28. The updated image data 40 could be obtained after repositioning of the borescope probe 22 (from first to second position), or can be obtained while the borescope probe 22 is still in its first position. In any case, the computing device 24 can process the updated image data 40 similarly as it did with the image data 30, e.g., by evaluating the update image data 40 to determine whether the updated image data 40 is compatible with the analysis program 28; and analyzing the updated image data 40 using the analysis program 28 in response to determining the updated image data 40 is compatible with the analysis program 28. If the computing device 24 determines that the updated image data 40 is incompatible with the analysis program 28, the computing device 24 may repeat the above-noted processes (e.g., initiating a message and/or obtaining further updated image data, evaluating, and analyzing/re-obtaining, etc.) until it obtains update image data that is compatible with the analysis program 28 (and can thus provide information about one or more characteristics of the component(s)).
Process P1: positioning a borescope probe inside the turbomachine at a first position relative to the component and within imaging range of a symbolic data array;
Process P2 (using at least one computing device coupled to the borescope probe): capturing image data from the borescope about the symbolic data array;
Process P3 (using at least one computing device coupled to the borescope probe): evaluating the image data to determine whether the image data is compatible with a symbolic data array analysis program configured to execute on the at least one computing device;
Process P4 (using at least one computing device coupled to the borescope probe): analyzing the image data using the symbolic data array analysis program in response to determining that the image data is compatible with the symbolic data array analysis program;
Process P5: repositioning the borescope probe inside the turbomachine to a second position distinct from the first position in response to determining that the image data is not compatible with the symbolic data array analysis program;
Process P6 (using at least one computing device coupled to the borescope probe): obtaining updated image data about the symbolic data array from the borescope after the repositioning;
Process P7 (using at least one computing device coupled to the borescope probe): evaluating the updated image data about the symbolic data array to determine whether the updated image data is compatible with the symbolic data array analysis program; and
Process P8 (using at least one computing device coupled to the borescope probe): analyzing the updated image data using the symbolic data array analysis program in response to determining the updated image data is compatible with the symbolic data array analysis program.
As described herein, several of the above-noted processes can be repeated until the borescope probe can obtain image data about the symbolic data array that is compatible with the analysis program (see feedback loop from process P7 to process P5 if incompatible).
The computer system 102 is shown including the computing device 24, which can include a processing component 104 (e.g., one or more processors), a storage component 106 (e.g., a storage hierarchy), an input/output (I/O) component 108 (e.g., one or more I/O interfaces and/or devices), and a communications pathway 110. In general, the processing component 104 executes program code, such as the image capture system 26 and/or data array analysis system 28, which is at least partially fixed in the storage component 106. While executing program code, the processing component 104 can process data, which can result in reading and/or writing transformed data from/to the storage component 106 and/or the I/O component 108 for further processing. The pathway 110 provides a communications link between each of the components in the computer system 102. The I/O component 108 can comprise one or more human I/O devices, which enable a user (e.g., a human and/or computerized user) 112 to interact with the computer system 102 and/or one or more communications devices to enable the system user 112 to communicate with the computer system 102 using any type of communications link. To this extent, the image capture system 26 and/or data array analysis system 28 can manage a set of interfaces (e.g., graphical user interface(s), application program interface, etc.) that enable human and/or system users 112 to interact with the image capture system 26 and/or data array analysis system 28. Further, the image capture system 26 and/or data array analysis system 28 can manage (e.g., store, retrieve, create, manipulate, organize, present, etc.) data, such as image data 30 and/or updated image data 40 using any solution. The image capture system 26 and/or data array analysis system 28 can additionally communicate with the borescope probe 22 via wireless and/or hardwired means.
In any event, the computer system 102 can comprise one or more general purpose computing articles of manufacture (e.g., computing devices) capable of executing program code, such as the image capture system 26 and/or data array analysis system 28, installed thereon. As used herein, it is understood that “program code” means any collection of instructions, in any language, code or notation, that cause a computing device having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after any combination of the following: (a) conversion to another language, code or notation; (b) reproduction in a different material form; and/or (c) decompression. To this extent, the image capture system 26 and/or data array analysis system 28 can be embodied as any combination of system software and/or application software. It is further understood that the image capture system 26 and/or data array analysis system 28 can be implemented in a cloud-based computing environment, where one or more processes are performed at distinct computing devices (e.g., a plurality of computing devices 24), where one or more of those distinct computing devices may contain only some of the components shown and described with respect to the computing device 24 of
Further, the image capture system 26 and/or data array analysis system 28 can be implemented using a set of modules 132. In this case, a module 132 can enable the computer system 102 to perform a set of tasks used by the image capture system 26 and/or data array analysis system 28, and can be separately developed and/or implemented apart from other portions of the image capture system 26 and/or data array analysis system 28. As used herein, the term “component” means any configuration of hardware, with or without software, which implements the functionality described in conjunction therewith using any solution, while the term “module” means program code that enables the computer system 102 to implement the functionality described in conjunction therewith using any solution. When fixed in a storage component 106 of a computer system 102 that includes a processing component 104, a module is a substantial portion of a component that implements the functionality. Regardless, it is understood that two or more components, modules, and/or systems may share some/all of their respective hardware and/or software. Further, it is understood that some of the functionality discussed herein may not be implemented or additional functionality may be included as part of the computer system 102.
When the computer system 102 comprises multiple computing devices, each computing device may have only a portion of image capture system 26 and/or data array analysis system 28 fixed thereon (e.g., one or more modules 132). However, it is understood that the computer system 102 and image capture system 26 and/or data array analysis system 28 are only representative of various possible equivalent computer systems that may perform a process described herein. To this extent, in other embodiments, the functionality provided by the computer system 102 and image capture system 26 and/or data array analysis system 28 can be at least partially implemented by one or more computing devices that include any combination of general and/or specific purpose hardware with or without program code. In each embodiment, the hardware and program code, if included, can be created using standard engineering and programming techniques, respectively.
Regardless, when the computer system 102 includes multiple computing devices 24, the computing devices can communicate over any type of communications link. Further, while performing a process described herein, the computer system 102 can communicate with one or more other computer systems using any type of communications link. In either case, the communications link can comprise any combination of various types of wired and/or wireless links; comprise any combination of one or more types of networks; and/or utilize any combination of various types of transmission techniques and protocols.
The computer system 102 can obtain or provide data, such as image data 30 and/or updated image data 40 using any solution. The computer system 102 can generate image data 30 and/or updated image data 40, from one or more data stores, receive image data 30 and/or updated image data 40, from another system such as the borescope probe 22 or the user 112, send image data 30 and/or updated image data 40 to another system, etc.
While shown and described herein as a method and system for monitoring a component within a turbomachine, it is understood that aspects of the invention further provide various alternative embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, the invention provides a computer program fixed in at least one computer-readable medium, which when executed, enables a computer system to monitor a component within a turbomachine. To this extent, the computer-readable medium includes program code, such as the image capture system 26 and/or data array analysis system 28 (
In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of providing a copy of program code, such as the image capture system 26 and/or data array analysis system 28 (
In still another embodiment, the invention provides a method of monitoring a component within a turbomachine. In this case, a computer system, such as the computer system 102 (
In any case, the technical effect of the invention, including, e.g., the image capture system 26 and/or data array analysis system 28, is to monitor at least one component within a turbomachine.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It is further understood that the terms “front” and “back” are not intended to be limiting and are intended to be interchangeable where appropriate.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
